MOONS
Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph
The MOONS Consortium entrusted BlueShadows with developing the control software for this incredible instrument, a multi-object spectrograph for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Paranal, Chile.
State-of-the-art Technology
This sophisticated instrument uses 1000 robotic arms to carefully position optical fibers and microlenses to collect and transport light. It is so powerful that it will be able to observe up to 1000 astronomical objects simultaneously (one target per optical fiber).
It is expected to see its first light in July 2026.
Do you want to know more?
Check out our scienctific papers
MOONS: multiobject spectroscopy for the VLT: testing and integration of the MOONS metrology system
MOONS – multi object spectroscopy for the VLT: overview and instrument integration update
MOONS – Multi Object spectroscopy for the VLT: design and testing of the MOONS metrology system
Rising MOONS: an update on the VLT’s next multi-object spectrograph as it begins to grow